-- Diluted EPS of $0.98; Adjusted diluted EPS of $1.29, both including a $0.19 benefit from ACA reconciliations --

ST. LOUIS, July 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) today announced its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2016. The following discussions, with the exception of cash flow information, are in the context of continuing operations.

For the second quarter of 2016, we reported diluted earnings per share of $0.98 and adjusted diluted earnings per share (Adjusted diluted EPS) of $1.29 when excluding Health Net acquisition related expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets. The second quarter of 2016 includes a $0.19 per diluted share benefit related to the 2015 risk adjustment and reinsurance reconciliations under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in connection with our health insurance marketplace business. A reconciliation of GAAP diluted earnings per share to Adjusted diluted EPS is highlighted below:

Michael F. Neidorff, Centene's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Centene's solid second quarter results reinforce our positive operating momentum and bode well for continued growth for the balance of 2016 and beyond. The Health Net integration remains on track and the benefits of our greater scale and diversity are being realized accordingly."

Second Quarter Highlights

June 30, 2016 managed care membership of 11.4 million, an increase of 6.8 million members, or 148% compared to the second quarter of 2015.

Total revenues for the second quarter of 2016 of $10.9 billion, representing 98% growth compared to the second quarter of 2015.

Health benefits ratio of 86.6% for the second quarter of 2016, compared to 89.1% in the second quarter of 2015.

General and administrative expense ratio of 9.2%, or 9.0% excluding Health Net acquisition related expenses for the second quarter of 2016, compared to 8.4% in the second quarter of 2015.

Operating cash flow of $(420) million for the second quarter of 2016, reflecting an increase in premium and related receivables of approximately $600 million due to the timing of June capitation payments from several of our states (substantially all of which has been collected in July).

Diluted earnings per share for the second quarter of 2016 of $0.98, or $1.29 of Adjusted diluted EPS. In comparison, diluted EPS for the second quarter of 2015 was $0.72, or $0.76 Adjusted diluted EPS.

Other Events

In July 2016, it was announced that the Department of Defense awarded our wholly-owned subsidiary, Health Net Federal Services, the TRICARE West Region contract. We will continue to operate in the TRICARE North Region until the middle of 2017, when we expect to start health care delivery for the West Region.

In June 2016, our Indiana subsidiary, Managed Health Services, was selected by the Indiana Family & Social Services Administration to begin contract negotiations to provide risk-based managed care services for enrollees in the Healthy Indiana Plan and Hoosier Healthwise programs. This new contract is expected to commence on January 1, 2017.

In June 2016, the Company issued an additional $500 million of 4.75% Senior Notes due 2022 at a premium to yield of 4.41%. The Company used the net proceeds of the offering to repay amounts outstanding under its Revolving Credit Facility and to pay related fees and expenses.

In June 2016, our correctional health care joint venture, Centurion, began operating under two new contracts with the State of New Mexico Corrections Department to provide correctional medical health care services and pharmacy services.

In April 2016, our Pennsylvania subsidiary, Pennsylvania Health & Wellness, was selected by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to service Medicaid recipients enrolled in the HealthChoices program in three zones. In July 2016, the Commonwealth reissued the request for proposal with an anticipated commencement of April 2017.

In April 2016, we announced the appointment of Christopher Isaak to Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer.

Accreditations & Awards

In July 2016, FORTUNE magazine announced Centene's position of #470 in its annual ranking of the largest companies globally by revenue.

In June 2016, FORTUNE magazine announced Centene's position of #124 in its annual ranking of America's largest companies by revenue.

In May 2016, our Florida subsidiary, Sunshine Health, received Accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance for its Medicaid and Health Insurance Marketplace Exchange plan, Ambetter from Sunshine Health.

In May 2016, at the Case In Point Platinum Awards, Centene and its specialty solutions divisions, Envolve, Inc. were honored with awards in five categories: Behavioral Health Case Management, Women/Children Case Management, Acute Care, Care Management, andDisease Management/Population Health.

Membership

The following table sets forth the Company's membership by state for its managed care organizations:

June 30,

2016

2015

Arizona

597,700

210,900

Arkansas

52,800

45,400

California

3,097,600

178,700

Florida

726,200

470,300

Georgia

493,300

405,000

Illinois

234,700

209,100

Indiana

291,000

250,400

Kansas

144,800

143,000

Louisiana

375,300

358,900

Massachusetts

47,100

61,500

Michigan

2,200

2,700

Minnesota

9,500

10,900

Mississippi

323,800

250,600

Missouri

102,900

82,600

New Hampshire

79,700

70,800

New Mexico

7,100

—

Ohio

319,000

287,100

Oregon

221,500

—

South Carolina

113,700

112,600

Tennessee

20,800

21,400

Texas

1,037,000

969,700

Vermont

1,600

2,800

Washington

239,700

214,100

Wisconsin

76,100

78,600

Total at-risk membership

8,615,100

4,437,100

TRICARE eligibles

2,815,700

—

Non-risk membership

—

176,600

Total

11,430,800

4,613,700

The following table sets forth our membership by line of business:

June 30,

2016

2015

Medicaid:

TANF, CHIP & Foster Care

5,541,200

3,536,000

ABD & LTC

757,500

454,000

Behavioral Health

455,800

203,900

Commercial

1,423,400

167,400

Medicare & Duals

300,700

28,200

Correctional

136,500

47,600

Total at-risk membership

8,615,100

4,437,100

TRICARE eligibles

2,815,700

—

Non-risk membership

—

176,600

Total

11,430,800

4,613,700

At June 30, 2016, the Company served 1,004,200 members in Medicaid expansion programs in nine states and 363,600 dual-eligible members, compared to 368,900 members in Medicaid expansion programs in seven states and 187,400 dual-eligible members at June 30, 2015. At June 30, 2016, the Company served 617,700 members in Health Insurance Marketplaces, compared to 167,400 at June 30, 2015.

Statement of Operations: Three Months Ended June 30, 2016

For the second quarter of 2016, total revenues increased 98% to $10.9 billion from $5.5 billion in the second quarter of 2015. The increase was primarily a result of the acquisition of Health Net as well as the impact from expansions, acquisitions or new programs in many of our states in 2015.

HBR of 86.6% for the second quarter of 2016 represents a decrease from 89.1% in the comparable period in 2015 and a decrease from 88.7% in the first quarter of 2016. The year over year HBR decrease is primarily attributable to the acquisition of Health Net, which operates at a lower HBR due to a higher mix of commercial and Medicare business. The sequential decrease is due to normal seasonality and the acquisition of Health Net.

G&A expense ratio of 9.2%, or 9.0% excluding Health Net acquisition related expenses for the second quarter of 2016, compared to 8.4% in the second quarter of 2015. The increase in the G&A expense ratio is primarily attributable to the addition of the Health Net business.

Diluted earnings per share for the second quarter of 2016 of $0.98, or $1.29 of Adjusted diluted EPS when excluding Health Net acquisition related expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets, including a $0.19 per diluted share benefit related to the 2015 risk adjustment and reinsurance reconciliations under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in connection with our health insurance marketplace business. In comparison, diluted EPS for the second quarter of 2015 was $0.72, or $0.76 Adjusted diluted EPS when excluding Health Net acquisition related expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

At June 30, 2016, the Company had cash, investments and restricted deposits of $7.5 billion, including $196 million held by its unregulated entities. Medical claims liabilities totaled $4.0 billion. The Company's days in claims payable was 43. Total debt was $4.5 billion, which includes $185 million of borrowings on the $1.0 billion revolving credit facility at quarter-end. Debt to capitalization was 44.4% at June 30, 2016, excluding the $66 million non-recourse mortgage note.

In the second quarter, we continued to make progress on the fair valuation of the Health Net balance sheet. There has been no unfavorable development on the medical claims liability as established at March 24, 2016. We did increase reserves for medical claims primarily associated with disputed substance abuse treatment center costs. Additionally, we recorded premium deficiency reserves primarily associated with Arizona and the California individual PPO business.

Cash flow used in operations for the three months ended June 30, 2016, was $(420) million. The cash used in operating activities in 2016 reflects an increase in premium and related receivables of approximately $600 million due to the timing of June capitation payments from several of our states (substantially all of which has been collected in July).

A reconciliation of the Company's change in days in claims payable from the immediately preceding quarter-end is presented below:

Days in claims payable, March 31, 20161

42

Impact of Health Net acquisition accounting

1

Days in claims payable, June 30, 2016

43

1 A pro-forma adjustment has been made to medical costs to include a full quarter of Health Net medical costs.

As previously announced, the Company will host a conference call Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at 8:30 AM (Eastern Time) to review the financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2016, and to discuss its business outlook. Michael Neidorff and Jeffrey Schwaneke will host the conference call.

Investors and other interested parties are invited to listen to the conference call by dialing 1-877-883-0383 in the U.S. and Canada; +1-412-902-6506 from abroad, including the following Elite Entry Number: 6099987 to expedite caller registration; or via a live, audio webcast on the Company's website at www.centene.com, under the Investors section.

A webcast replay will be available for on-demand listening shortly after the completion of the call for the next twelve months or until 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at the aforementioned URL. In addition, a digital audio playback will be available until 9:00 AM Eastern Time on Tuesday, August 2, 2016, by dialing 1-877-344-7529 in the U.S. and Canada, or +1-412-317-0088 from abroad, and entering access code 10088567.

Non-GAAP Financial Presentation

The Company is providing certain non-GAAP financial measures in this release as the Company believes that these figures are helpful in allowing investors to more accurately assess the ongoing nature of the Company's operations and measure the Company's performance more consistently across periods. The Company uses the presented non-GAAP financial measures internally to allow management to focus on period-to-period changes in the Company's core business operations. Therefore, the Company believes that this information is meaningful in addition to the information contained in the GAAP presentation of financial information. The presentation of this additional non-GAAP financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.

The income tax effects of adjustments are based on the effective income tax rates applicable to adjusted (non-GAAP) results. The amounts are based on the annual estimated effective income tax rate that would increase or decrease based on the exclusion of these expenses.

(2)

The Health Net acquisition related expenses per diluted share presented above are net of the income tax benefit (expense) of $(0.02) and $0.01 for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively; $0.53 and zero for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively; and estimated $0.37 to $0.41 for the year ended December 31, 2016.

(3)

The amortization of acquired intangible assets per diluted share presented above are net of the income tax benefit of $0.10 and $0.01 for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively; $0.14 and $0.04 for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively; and estimated $0.31 to $0.35 for the year ended December 31, 2016.

About Centene Corporation

Centene Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a diversified, multi-national healthcare enterprise that provides a portfolio of services to government sponsored healthcare programs, focusing on under-insured and uninsured individuals. Many receive benefits provided under Medicaid, including the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), as well as Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD), Foster Care and Long Term Care (LTC), in addition to other state-sponsored programs, Medicare (including the Medicare prescription drug benefit commonly known as "Part D"), as well as programs with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Centene operates local health plans and offers a range of health insurance solutions. It also contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide specialty services including behavioral health management, care management software, correctional healthcare services, dental benefits management, in-home health services, life and health management, managed vision, pharmacy benefits management, specialty pharmacy and telehealth services.

Centene uses its investor relations website to publish important information about the Company, including information that may be deemed material to investors. Financial and other information about Centene is routinely posted and is accessible on Centene's investor relations website, http://www.centene.com/investors.

Forward-Looking Statements

The information provided in this press release may contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Centene and certain plans and objectives of Centene with respect thereto, including the expected benefits of the acquisition of Health Net. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate only to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements often use words such as "anticipate", "target", "expect", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "goal", "believe", "hope", "aim", "continue", "will", "may", "would", "could" or "should" or other words of similar meaning or the negative thereof. There are several factors which could cause actual plans and results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the possibility that the expected synergies and value creation from the acquisition will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period, including, but not limited to, as a result of conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions imposed by regulators in connection with their approval of, or consent to, the acquisition; the exertion of management's time and Centene's resources, and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with complying with the undertakings in connection with certain regulatory approvals; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully; disruption from the acquisition making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; the risk that unexpected costs will be incurred; changes in economic conditions or political conditions; changes in federal or state laws or regulations, including the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care Education Affordability Reconciliation Act and any regulations enacted thereunder; provider and state contract changes; the outcome of pending legal or regulatory proceedings; reduction in provider payments by governmental payors; the expiration or termination of Centene'sMedicare or Medicaid managed care contracts with federal or state governments; tax matters; increased health care costs; and risks and uncertainties discussed in the reports that Centene has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). These forward-looking statements reflect Centene's current views with respect to future events and are based on numerous assumptions and assessments made by Centene in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, business strategies, operating environments, future developments and other factors it believes appropriate. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. The factors described in the context of such forward-looking statements in this announcement could cause Centene's plans with respect to the acquisition, actual results, performance or achievements, industry results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although it is believed that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct and persons reading this announcement are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date of this announcement. Centene does not assume any obligation to update the information contained in this announcement (whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise), except as required by applicable law. This list of important factors is not intended to be exhaustive. We discuss certain of these matters more fully, as well as certain risk factors that may affect our business operations, financial condition and results of operations, in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.

(a) Days in claims payable is a calculation of medical claims liabilities at the end of the period divided by average claims expense per calendar day for such period. On a pro-forma basis, DCP for Q1 2016 is 42, reflecting adjusted medical costs to include a full quarter of Health Net operations.

CASH, INVESTMENTS AND RESTRICTED DEPOSITS (in millions)

Regulated

$

7,324

$

7,682

$

3,900

$

3,834

$

3,667

Unregulated

196

139

78

91

82

Total

$

7,520

$

7,821

$

3,978

$

3,925

$

3,749

DEBT TO CAPITALIZATION

44.8

%

44.6

%

36.0

%

38.4

%

37.1

%

DEBT TO CAPITALIZATION EXCLUDING NON-RECOURSE DEBT (b)

44.4

%

44.3

%

34.7

%

37.1

%

35.7

%

(b) The non-recourse debt represents the Company's mortgage note payable ($66 million at June 30, 2016).

Debt to capitalization is calculated as follows: total debt divided by (total debt + total equity).

The changes in medical claims liability are summarized as follows (in millions):

Balance, June 30, 2015

$

2,092

Acquisitions

1,540

Incurred related to:

Current period

23,148

Prior period

(252)

Total incurred

22,896

Paid related to:

Current period

20,780

Prior period

1,798

Total paid

22,578

Balance, June 30, 2016

$

3,950

Centene's claims reserving process utilizes a consistent actuarial methodology to estimate Centene's ultimate liability. Any reduction in the "Incurred related to: Prior period" amount may be offset as Centene actuarially determines "Incurred related to: Current period." As such, only in the absence of a consistent reserving methodology would favorable development of prior period claims liability estimates reduce medical costs. Centene believes it has consistently applied its claims reserving methodology in each of the periods presented. Additionally, as a result of minimum HBR and other return of premium programs, approximately $22 million of the "Incurred related to: Prior period" was recorded as a reduction to premium revenues.

The amount of the "Incurred related to: Prior period" above represents favorable development and includes the effects of reserving under moderately adverse conditions, new markets where we use a conservative approach in setting reserves during the initial periods of operations, receipts from other third party payors related to coordination of benefits and lower medical utilization and cost trends for dates of service June 30, 2015 and prior.